Leicester City players have returned to Seagrave for their pre-season training under new manager Enzo Maresca. The team faces a big shake-up as a lot of changes to the playing squad are expected over the next few weeks.
James Maddison has already departed the Foxes for Tottenham Hotspur and the club has welcomed the announcements of Harry Winks and Conor Coady over the weekend. There are hopefully more arrivals lined up to join the East Midlands side and with a new manager in charge current City players will be eager to impress Maresca.
Leicester City’s Dennis Praet – keep
The Belgian midfielder struggled for regular spot in Leicester’s starting XI, but with a new manager in charge this could be Praet’s time to shine. The 29-year-old spent the 2021/22 season on loan to Serie A side, Torino. The Italian side have shown interest in having Praet back on a permanent deal, but they are yet to match Leicester’s asking price.
I have always been fond of him and feel he has played well when he was given a chance, if Enzo Maresca gives him regular game time Praet could really flourish. When the central midfielder was given a chance under Brendan Rodgers or Dean Smith he was always used out on the wing which isn’t his natural position. When he rarely was played in central midfield he always thrived. A player to definitely try and keep.
Hamza Choudhury – keep
The Loughborough-born defensive midfielder spent time on loan at Watford and became a regular starter for them, making 37 appearances in all competitions. Choudhury would be a fantastic player to re-introduce into the Leicester City starting side because of his playing style.
The 25-year-old is never afraid to get stuck in and will run around the pitch to hassle and man-mark players. You can always count on the academy graduate to win the ball back, win headers and he would be a great player to pair up with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall because of their similar playing style.
Since his loan to Watford, Hamza has racked up interest from fellow Premier League relegated side Southampton. When you watch the young Leicester lad play you can understand why he has gathered interest, but the Foxes would be silly to get rid of him. Choudhury is exactly the type of player Leicester need if they want to bounce straight back up to the top-flight of English football.
Jannik Vestergaard – Sell
The Danish defender trained with the U21s under Brendan Rodgers after an interview with the Danish media.
He was brought back into first team under Dean Smith, but never made a first-team appearance. Why the club ever thought it was a good idea to buy a player that was substituted off when Leicester City beat Southampton 9-0 I will never understand. He was far too slow to chase back and clear long balls.
The 30-year-old only started six Premier League games, in those fixtures the Foxes only picked up two points and conceded 16 goals. A definite sell, his name should’ve been first on the list.
Danny Ward – sell
The Welsh international made too many mistakes during the 2022/23 Premier League season which saw him fall back to the bench for the remainder of the season. With Leicester reportedly wanting to make a move for Zack Steffen from Man City, if Steffen does join the Foxes then it could be Danny Ward that makes way for the American goalkeeper.
Daniel Iversen – keep
Despite his dodgy goal-kicks during the 2022/23 season he did a decent job and made some spectacular saves. Although he had his moments he was a much better fit than Danny Ward. With the potential arrival of Zack Steffen from Manchester City he could drop to the bench as a back-up keeper.
The 25-year-old would definitely be a player to keep for squad depth and also for healthy competition for the number one spot between the posts.
Marc Albrighton – keep
The Tamworth-born winger was a surprise loan to West Brom in January and an experienced player Leicester could’ve used during their Premier League relegation battle.
With Harvey Barnes expected to make a move to West Ham, Albrighton will be the only current first-team player who is a winger. Unless, Leicester bring in a few wingers the Premier League winner almost has a guaranteed place in the starting XI.
Albrighton is a player I’ve always had a soft spot for. He’s not the most technically gifted player, but you know he will always give 110% in every match he plays. The former Aston Villa academy player is reliable and you can guarantee he will chase every stray ball to try and win back possession. A player Leicester City absolutely MUST keep at all costs, not only for his experience, but also his attitude on the pitch.
Lewis Brunt – promote to first team
The flexible youngster has been in and around Leicester’s first team for the last two seasons. The 22-year-old made one Premier League appearance last season when he came on as a substitute in the 2-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. He also played all 90 minutes of the 1-0 FA Cup win against Gillingham.
Brunt is a versatile player that can play in midfield, defence and at full-back. The introduction of Conor Coady will also help Brunt’s development if he gets to play alongside the former Wolves player.
Wanya Marcal-Madivadua – promote to first team
The 20-year-old was named on the bench four times last season, but never made an appearance. He can play in midfield and on the wing, this could see him make an appearance due to City’s lack of wingers and the potential departure of Harvey Barnes.
Will Alves and Sammy Braybrooke
The two young prospects are currently recovering from anterior cruciate ligament injuries, so their start to the new season will be delayed, but when they are back fit they will be looking to impress Maresca.